Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

17. The Blood

Erythrocytes: Hemoglobin

Anatomy & Physiology

17. The Blood

Erythrocytes: Hemoglobin

Previous problemNext problem

Problem L3.3a

Textbook Question

Predict the effects of each of the following on systemic arterial blood pressure:
The practice of 'blood doping,' which increases the number of red blood cells in the blood

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of systemic arterial blood pressure: It is the pressure exerted by blood on the walls of arteries during circulation. It is influenced by factors such as blood volume, vascular resistance, and cardiac output.

Recognize the role of red blood cells in blood viscosity: Red blood cells contribute to the thickness (viscosity) of blood. An increase in red blood cell count, as seen in 'blood doping,' leads to higher blood viscosity.

Analyze the relationship between blood viscosity and vascular resistance: Increased blood viscosity causes greater resistance to blood flow within the vessels. This resistance can elevate systemic arterial blood pressure.

Consider the impact on oxygen delivery and cardiac workload: While more red blood cells improve oxygen delivery to tissues, the heart must work harder to pump the thicker blood, potentially increasing blood pressure further.

Summarize the overall effect: The practice of 'blood doping' is likely to increase systemic arterial blood pressure due to the combined effects of increased blood viscosity and vascular resistance, along with the added strain on the heart.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Blood Doping

Blood doping refers to the practice of increasing the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream, typically through transfusions or the use of erythropoietin (EPO). This increase enhances the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, which can improve athletic performance. However, it also raises the risk of cardiovascular complications due to increased blood viscosity.

Systemic Arterial Blood Pressure

Systemic arterial blood pressure is the pressure exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels, particularly arteries. It is influenced by cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance. An increase in red blood cell mass from blood doping can elevate blood pressure by increasing blood volume and viscosity, leading to greater resistance in the circulatory system.

Cardiac Output

Cardiac output is the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, calculated as the product of heart rate and stroke volume. It plays a crucial role in determining blood pressure. When blood doping increases the number of red blood cells, it can lead to higher blood volume, which may increase cardiac output and subsequently raise systemic arterial blood pressure.